I'mma rant about something that made my father cry yesterday.
So, when my mother was with us, we would go out into the forest and make little forts in various places (B-Fort in Bones Flat, C-Fort on Coyote Hill, D-Fort on a deserted logging trail, F-Fort near a forked road, and the Summit-Fort). These things were my childhood; building them, playing in them, fortifying them, cleaning them. We made sure to only build them with natural materials of the forest and leave no trash behind. We made specialized firepits so we could enjoy them in the winter, then put out the fire and cover up the pit so it wouldn't be bogged with snow.
I have so many memories with my family in these places. I learned how to leave and follow a hidden trail guided by sticks, I learned how to whistle only using the husk of an acorn, I learned what plants I could eat and what plants I probably shouldn't eat, I learned how to whittle, I learned the fastest way to start a fire, I learned how to climb trees with no low-hanging limbs, I learned how to throw unbalanced objects with accuracy, I learned how to ride a mountain bike, I learned how to spot landmarks, I learned how to tell the time, I learned how to catch lizards, snakes, and bugs alike. I learned how to throw a frisbee (always at an angle though) and a football. I learned to enjoy myself and make a safe place in an unforgiving world.
When she passed, we forgot about the forts. That is, until recently. My father was riding his bike, and he decided to check up on the C-Fort.
It was destroyed.
The area was logged, and the fort was desecrated, the sticks scattered everywhere and the firepit was left half-gone. One of the trees the fort was anchored on was cut down.
Of course they had to kick us while we were down.
And yes I understand it's not our property, and they had every right to do so, but that doesn't make it hurt any less. We weren't harming anything by it either, we left behind no trash or junk. Even wildlife took advantage of the forts, using them for shelter during bad weather (I know this because there were increased scats around the forts and we did have to chase a young mountain lion out of the Summit Fort).
So my father broke down. I can only imagine how he felt seeing it destoryed in person compared to me learning about it from him this morning.
So yeah, my day isn't going great to say the least.
